As first major heat wave of the year settles in, Danville Fire Department offers reminder

Temperature expected to be in the 90s most of the week

DANVILLE, Va. – As the first major heatwave of the year in our area settles in, the Danville Fire Department is reminding people about heat safety.

Assistant chief Steve Dishman and Battalion Chief Brian Alderson made an informational video and posted it to the department's Facebook page.

They remind people to stay hydrated and to wear loose-fitting clothing.

When it comes to staying hydrated, they recommend not just drinking water, but also something like a sports drink that will help replenish electrolytes you lose from sweating.

They also say it's important to be able to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

"Heat exhaustion typically is, you become very weak. You become cool and clammy," Dishman explained.

"Heat stroke, that's an immediate medical crisis. Typically, when somebody goes into that it would take someone else to recognize because when it onsets it actually can render you unconscious very quickly," Dishman said.

Dishman said thankfully, so far this summer the department has not seen many heat-related calls.